from: The New Zealand Book Council

Wow. I'll be emailing this to my Cybernetic Fiction professor from years ago. There is a peculiar House of Leaves quality to it, no?

Abelardo Morell Photography

My apartment is simply decorated. There isn't a decoration on the wall. Inspired by Biesenbach, I like to come home to a clean slate after a day in the trenches of NYC grit and chaos. Setting that aside, I adore these photos from Havana born Aberardo Morrell. I'd be tempted to set up an incognito projector to fluctuate the decor in my apartment.

Lightening Strikes Dubai: Often.

At first glance, I thought this spectacular photo of the Burj Dubai was a painting. The absurdly ostentatious building is the tallest in the world; and the word is that lightening strikes occur often- given that the storms aren't exactly a daily occurrence.


via: Gizmodo

Robert McCall: NASA Space Art

If you've read 2001 A Space Odyssey, or licked a stamp with NASA art on it: chances are that you are familiar with Robert McCall. His paintings grew in popularity during the 1960's, after being featured in LIFE magazine. To me, his art communicates excitement, curiosity and a tinge of fear. Perhaps one of the more engaging qualities is found in the pieces that incorporate the American Southwest terrain, as if it is space.

The Russian Vodka Room

I simply couldn't turn down an invite to the Russian Vodka Room. The dimly lit dining space survives on regulars and youngish couples warm with affection. To boot, the bar is decent sized with sunken back tables behind curtains- all serenaded by a piano player that occasionally sets his head down to rest.

Large vats of in-house flavored vodka are served in 2 ounce pours for $6. I chose the dill & garlic, my company, the horseradish. Sipped on the rocks, both were gorgeous enough to request a second. To be honest, I haven't been able to shake my affection for the venue. I'm planning to return soon- maybe tomorrow. Perhaps I'll sample the eats at some point as well.

image: via

take an apertif at Ella

After a warm meal, I settled into Ella to close the evening. Although the empty ceilings left a empty feeling upon entering, the comfy couches and eclectic colors beg you to settle. I sipped on the LES Cocktail (it seemed appropriate!). Mint, muddled cucumbers, simple syrup, St. Germain and gin came served up to my table. The flecks of mint aimlessly floated in the martini glass: heaven. Head here after a good dinner with someone you'd like to squeeze.

a dinner at Yerba Buena

Falling out of a cab and shuffling into Yerba Buena, I found myself warmly greeted by a handsome man tucking me into a seat- as he removed my jacket. A good start. I ordered the Azteca- in waiting for my company to arrive. The sleek cocktail is composed of Lunazal tequila, St. Germain, yellow chartreuse and fresh lime juice. Absolutely divine. When my dining partner pushed in, he selected the Mojito: Flor de Cana 7 rum, mint leaves demarara syrup and fresh lime. It's difficult to shy away from well-selected liquor and top-notch juices. At mid-point through our cocktails, we requested a corner table.

For sustenance, we decided to share three plates. From the Frios: Ceviche Mixto with shrimp, octopus, crawfish, clams, red onion, rocoto, cilantro and maiz cancho. Superb in freshness and firm textures. The dish was appropriately served before our two Bontanas plates. Our second (shared plates) course involved the Empanadas and the Tacos de Pescado. The Empanadas came golden brown with chicken tinga, sirloin picadillo and chimichurri sauce for dressing. Without the sauce for garnish, the Empanadas would have been quite disappointing- regardless, my dining partner seemed satisfied. I found the Tacos de Pescado to be quite refreshing in their make-up of crispy tilapia, baja style jimica, cabbage and chipotle slaw. The crunchy and subtle jimica added a bit of interest beyond your typical fish taco.

Excellent Southwestern food is often difficult to come by, I certainly plan to return to Yerba Buena.

images: latina.com, cherry patter

In it, a photo series

differing-

taking-

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structuring

reaching

taking.

cornering-

discussing-

leaning-

gathering-

zesting-

deepening-

regarding-

hiding-

transporting-

sliding-

Sunsettling , a photo series

determine.

curb lit

voiture

collect.

arms.

aware.

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taupe.

brick and greens.

view slice.

locals.

coiting around.

blaze point

honey blue.

spread.

raising

montague light.

steep.

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fury.

Warehouse, a photo series

tempt curious

solo

two, three, america

shuffle

transporters

crooked doom.

client 9

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symmetry

palm coit.

Wharf, a photo series

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meet.

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Occidental Cigar Club

It's difficult to not feel sexy when you're slowly reveling in a bourbon on the rocks. Albeit old-boys atmosphere at San Francisco's Occidental Cigar Club, the thick air and warm owner lends a jovial atmosphere. The pours were generous as was the bar keep as he called out to me, "Look at you!" he cupped my hands in his own, "The Lord made you, he sure did." Setting aside my pounding head and scratchy cigar throat the next morning: I highly recommend tucking yourself into this spot (fall asleep with water and Advil;)

image: via

a dinner at Bin 38

Bin 38 graciously forgave us for arriving early for our reservation- seating us in a warm, if not approaching sultry corner table (image below). For sipping, I chose a Prosecco- others took lead or leaned to beer. Both lists were thoughtfully designed to compliment the menu.

We started with three appetizers: Brussels sprouts with smoked ham hock, French feta, Golden Delicious apple and pine nuts; plump scallops and baked feta with huckleberry marmalade and crostini. While all dishes were gorgeously presented, I found the Brussels sprouts to be the strongest for the variety of flavors exhibited. Also noted- the size of the apps lends them to be shared when planning on an entree as well.


For our main courses, braised short ribs, from scratch ravioli and seared ahi with Kalamata compote, asparagus mashers and fleck of crunch rice. I found myself quite pleased with my seared tuna- plump and surprisingly well-complimented by the Kalamata (which I typically avoid). Textures were expertly designed and portions ideal. While I didn't finish my plate, I felt deeply content. The wine country inspired restaurant secured my affection for the San Francisco dining scene.

images: via, via

Bourbon & Branch

You need a password, a reservation- to be admitted to Bourbon & Branch. The San Francisco speakeasy is the ideal punctuation to nice dinner. I induldged in a Cucumber Vodka Gimlet, others in Bourbon-based cocktails that involved flaming oranges. The cocktails flowed in consistently excellent quality. While the crowd appeared fairly young, it was diverse. Deeply muddled light and light gusts from the door omitting patrons offered a sexy air. It's nice to have a friend in the city, to lead you down these hidden paths of pleasure.


image: via

Cocktails at Elite Cafe

Saturday afternoon cocktails are meant to be detail-focused and well designed. San Francisco's Elite Cafe indulges the cosmopolitan-minded with Habanero infused vodkas, fresh juices and garnishes you treat like tapas. The venue buzzed with well-dressed patrons- the flow was light and the staff quite genuine.

a lunch at Pier Market

Wandering along Pier 39 in San Francisco, there are many tempting spots to plop down for a bite. In my opinion: choose simple. Choose Seafood. Pier Market offers a light, unassuming dining room with a spot on view of the Sea Lions. We sipped on Sauvignon Blanc- an excellent choice for brisk air and approaching sun.

For sharing, we ordered the mussels in a red coconut curry broth with red peppers and onions. The sauce and fresh shellfish were an excellent marriage. I balanced with a Caesar, my company with a quintessentially San Francisco chowder in a sourdough bowl. I was quite pleased with the salad, which featured tangy Asiago shavings.

We punctuated our meal with espressos and discouraged the bus boy from chasing the rogue pigeon under our table--

a brunch at Sears Fine Foods

Established in 1938, Sears Fine Foods has strong roots in San Francisco. Despite the discouraging appearance of the wait, we were seated quickly. The breakfast menu (served until 3:00pm) was relatively simple and the service: prompt.

We sipped on warm, fresh coffee and mulled over our choices. Not in the mood for a large breakfast (that would, let's face it, send me into a hangover coma), I opted for the "Fresh Seasonal Fruit." I take the liberty of adding the quotes to cement the fact that the strawberries appeared previously frozen, the melon wasn't ripe and the grapes weren't carefully selected. The ingenue in the bowl: pineapple.

My brunch partner chose the Eggs Benedict. I'm a bit of an E. Benny buff- lending me to offer a harsh criticism: 24-hour diner quality. The hash browns appeared desperately greasy and the presentation could have been improved with a bit of color. Perhaps an herb garnish?

Diplo: I'd party with you.

Outrageously delicious! Kudos to Diplo for the popping orange belt!
(More here!)

Grenades for the Christmas Tree

Manchester designer Dorothy has offered a set of Christmas bobbles shaped like hand grenades for social initiative Ctrl.Alt.Shift and British design brand Suck UK.

An office by Clive Wilkinson Architects

Gorgeous open space and transparency define TBWA/Chiat/Day office. Clive Wilkinson Architects designed them to resemble a village including little apartments and a skull & crossbones basketball court!

11 Days: Not a Word Exchanged

An Eleven year-old Brooklyn boy with Asbergers spent eleven days on the Subway without communicating with another passenger. The young man had feared a conversation with his mother regarding school- cajoling him to step on the train with $10 in his pocket. A transit policeman eventually discovered him.

Do you speak to people on the subway? I've had some pretty incredible experiences. An Argentinian Opera singer stepped on, approached me and engaged in a kiss...another individual became a friend over shared reading taste- I've been molested (yes, I confronted him & no, nobody spoke up in my defense- let alone looked up to our raised voices), I've even successfully used Craiglist Missed Connections.

Read the full article at Gawker.

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image/coverage: via gawker